Eis Signs Gas Rate Agreement

EIS Brake Parts in Berlin, a division of Standard Motor Products Inc., is the first company to sign an economic development rate agreement with Connecticut Natural Gas Corp.

The company qualified because it is adding 150,000 square feet to its Berlin facilities to consolidate operations. The company, which employs 500 people, expects to add 40 to 50 jobs.

Connecticut's electricity and gas utilities developed economic development rates this year, which allow some manufacturers moving to Connecticut or expanding their operations in the state, to buy service at discounted rates over several years. Those companies are also are required to make conservation improvements to help them save energy.

Connecticut Natural Gas is in some form of discussion with 10 other companies.

Under its agreement with Connecticut Natural Gas, EIS will be able to buy gas at lower prices for five years. Also, it will receive $42,500 in conservation grants from a utility-sponsored program to upgrade management systems in their warehouses.

"Because the majority of our work force is located in Connecticut, we wanted to find a way to continue to do business in the state," said Daniel Carboni, Standard Motor's executive vice president